Protesters block coach as they try to stop asylum seekers being moved to Bibby Stockholm barge

Protesters who are blocking a coach that is due to take asylum seekers to the Bibby Stockholm barge have been warned by police they face arrest as a number have already been taken into custody.

People protest in front of the coach. Pic: PA

A large group of people, many with their faces covered, surrounded the vehicle earlier near the Best Western Hotel in Peckham, south London.

Police speak to protesters who formed a blockade around the coach. Pic: PA

Several people were sitting down in the road in front of the coach and some demonstrators have been removed by officers.

In some images, it was seen to have a flat tyre.

The Metropolitan Police said a number of people were arrested for offences including obstruction of the highway and one person was arrested for a racially aggravated public order offence. They have all been taken into custody, the Met Police statement on X said.

Police remove a protester. Pic: PA

The Bibby Stockholm, moored at Portland in Dorset, has been used since last August as ministers sought to find alternatives to hotel accommodation for those waiting for decisions on their asylum applications.

But the vessel has been plagued with issues – including an outbreak of Legionella bacteria onboard – and in December, police confirmed one of the people onboard had died, with reports suggesting the man had taken his own life.

Pic: PA

In February, MPs warned “claustrophobic” conditions were facing those on board the vessel which could amount to a breach of their human rights.

Following a visit to the barge, the Home Affairs Committee, made up of cross-party MPs, wrote to illegal migration minister Michael Tomlinson to raise serious concerns about the situation on the vessel.

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In footage, the protesters could be heard chanting “no borders, no nations, stop deportations”.

In a statement posted on X, the Metropolitan Police said: “Police were called at around 8.40am to reports of a group of protesters near a hotel in Peckham Road SE15.

“There were reports that a coach had been obstructed by people and bicycles.”

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said: “My officers were quickly on scene and have engaged with the protesters at length.

“They have warned the group that they could be arrested.

“We will share more information when we can.”